Chattanooga, August 27, 2025

News Summary

Misty Sue Coleman, a mother from Chattanooga, faces aggravated child abuse charges after reportedly hitting her child with her vehicle at Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy. The incident, which occurred in August, involved the child getting stuck while exiting the car. Surveillance footage corroborated the child’s account. The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an ongoing investigation, prioritizing child safety, particularly in school zones.

Chattanooga, Tennessee – Mother Faces Charges Following Incident Involving Child

A mother from Chattanooga, Misty Sue Coleman, is facing aggravated child abuse charges after allegedly striking her child with her vehicle in the parking lot of the Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy (CGLA). The incident occurred on the morning of August 19, prompting an investigation by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.

The incident unfolded when the school resource deputy responded to reports of a child being hit by a vehicle. According to school officials, the child had informed staff that they had missed their school bus that morning, which reportedly led to a heated interaction between the mother and child. Following the drop-off, it is alleged that Coleman accelerated her vehicle while the child was still in the process of exiting the car.

Witnesses at the scene indicated that the child was in the rear passenger seat when Coleman began to accelerate, resulting in the vehicle striking the child’s right ankle. Additional evidence from surveillance footage from the school corroborates the child’s account, showing the rear door of the vehicle remaining open as Coleman drove away, failing to stop or check on the child after the incident.

Reports indicate that the child was able to alert school staff about being struck by the vehicle before seeking further assistance. Emergency services were contacted soon thereafter, but details regarding the child’s injuries have not been publicly disclosed.

The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office has stated that their investigation is ongoing, and they are expected to gather more information regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident. They will assess the available evidence and any potential witnesses to determine if any further actions or charges are warranted in the future.

Additional Context

The Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy is a school aimed at providing a supportive environment for young female students. Incidents involving children and vehicles can lead to serious repercussions, especially when it concerns parental responsibility and safety in school zones.

In Tennessee, aggravated child abuse charges can carry significant consequences, including heavy fines and potential jail time. Law enforcement and child welfare advocates emphasize the importance of safe environments for children, particularly in active areas such as school parking lots.

The community is left reeling after the incident, prompting discussions among parents and educators about ensuring the safety of students as they arrive and depart from school. With increasing awareness of child safety near vehicles, local authorities continue to remind parents of the profound impact their actions can have on their children’s well-being.

Conclusion

As the investigation continues, more information may arise that can shed light on the situation. Parents and guardians are encouraged to remain vigilant about the safety and well-being of children, particularly in situations that could become volatile.

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Additional Resources

• Local 3 News
• WDEF News
• News Channel 9
• Wikipedia: Child Abuse
• Google Search: Child Safety in School Zones

Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER

The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.